Accessibility statement

Medieval Art (c.300-c.1500) - CED00162C

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  • Department: Centre for Lifelong Learning
  • Module co-ordinator: Information currently unavailable
  • Credit value: 10 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Spring Term 2023-24

Module aims

This module will provide a survey of the art and architecture of the Mediterranean area and Northern Europe during the Middle Ages (4th c. CE – 14th c. CE). The Middle Ages is often conceived of as medieval Europe; however, this time period embraces not only western Europe but Byzantium and Islam as well.

This module will pay special attention to the interconnectivity of these cultures, in addition to the ways in which each addressed similar issues of worship, the sacred image and public and private tools of devotion. Through seminar discussion as well as written formative and summative assessments, students will develop key transferable skills such as analytical reasoning and argument development, oral communication abilities, and research techniques.

Module learning outcomes

Upon completion of this module students will be able to:

  • Develop key vocabulary and critical points of knowledge regarding the art of the Middle Ages
  • Understand stylistic differences between time periods and geographical locations during the medieval period and be able to identify works of art associated with these styles
  • Engage in critical discussion on key issues of medieval art including ritual, architectural style, the impact of trade and war, and cross-cultural influences
  • Understand and apply art historical methodologies to an analysis of a work of art
  • Demonstrate university-level reading and writing skills (including vocabulary for persuasive arguments, crafting a cogent thesis statement and engaging in research)
  • Locate and use appropriate reference materials
  • Generate critical questions for debate based on readings
  • Develop interpersonal skills through seminar tasks and group discussion.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Essay 2000 words		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Essay 2000 words		 N/A 100

Module feedback

The tutor will give regular individual verbal and written feedback throughout the module on work submitted.

The assessment feedback is as per the university’s guidelines with regard to timings.

Indicative reading

  • Grabar, Oleg. The Formation of Islamic Art. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1973.
  • Heller, Ena Giurescu, and Patricia Pongracz. Perspectives on Medieval Art: Learning Through Looking. New York: Museum of Biblical Art, 2010.
  • Kessler, Herbert L. Seeing Medieval Art. Toronto: University of Toronto, 2011.
  • Lowden, John. Early Christian & Byzantine Art. London: Phaidon, 2008.
  • Scott, Robert A. The Gothic Enterprise: A Guide to Understanding the Medieval Cathedral. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2003.
  • Stokstad, Marylin. Medieval Art. 2nd ed. Boulder, Colorado: Westview Press, 2004.
  • Stokstad, Marilyn, Michael Watt Cothren, and D. Fairchild Ruggles. Medieval Art. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2011.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.